Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan DeMarco.
Hi Susan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
When we moved to SC in 2007 from up north, my kids were younger and playing sports. I noticed that there wasn’t a place to take the teammates out for ice cream after a game. This was a huge event when we lived in Pittsburgh, PA. I kept thinking, “Someone should open an ice cream parlor.” After several years of saying this, I had the “aha” moment to do it myself. My daughter, a Veteran, and I decided to start the business together. It has been a bumpy ride! We’ve had tremendous highs and significant lows, but we have always stayed true to who we are. We believe in our business, in serving an excellent product, and in our clientele and the service, we provide to them. They have become family! We are coming up on our seventh anniversary this July. We are happy about the success that we have experienced. We look forward to many more years in business.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It could have been smoother. Cold months bring low clientele. We try to be creative, but sometimes business could be faster. We are tucked in a corner off of a main road, so finding us can be tricky advertising where we are has been an uphill battle, but one we have seen to conquer a little better with each passing day. We have tried other products besides ice cream. Some have worked, and others have failed. We have seen the prices of our products soar and have struggled with the need to increase prices.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sweet Pea’s Ice Cream and Cafe. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand?
We specialize in ice cream desserts! We sell everything from a simple scoop in a cup to ice cream nachos and banana splits! We always have at least 24 flavors to choose from. We have a dairy-free option. We have something for just about everyone. We are special because we are like home to our customers. We make delicious milkshakes and sundaes and know our regular customers’ orders before they enter the door. Everyone is made to feel special when they come to Sweet Peas. We also support other small businesses by offering a gift shop in the shop featuring other business owners’ goods. We want to welcome everyone throughout the Columbia area to come and enjoy an old-fashioned scoop of ice cream and a smile with us! We are now serving soft-serve ice cream as well!
What matters most to you?
Customer service matters most. We want your experience to be happy and pleasurable. We don’t just serve you ice cream; we make it an experience you’ll want to have repeatedly. We remember your favorite flavor and are scooping it before you get through the door!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetpeassc.com
- Instagram: @sweetpeassc
- Facebook: Sweet Pea’s Ice Cream and Cafe
